Xuanguang Temple

玄光寺

A small temple by the lake on the south shore of Sun Moon Lake, dedicated to the monk Xuanzang. Its pier faces Lalu Island, making it a regular stop for tour boats.

Xuanguang Temple lies at the foot of Qinglong Mountain on the south shore of Sun Moon Lake. It was completed in 1955 to enshrine the monk Xuanzang. The temple is modest in size but its location is lakeside, and from the front you can overlook Sun Moon Lake and Lalu Island, the sacred island of the Thao people in the lake. The 'Sun Moon Lake' stele is also a popular photo spot. The temple pier is one of the main stops for tour boats, and the boiled 'Grandma's Tea Eggs' sold at the pier are famous. From beside the temple, a trail up Qinglong Mountain has about 850 steps leading to the larger Xuanzang Temple. Entry is free.

Opening hours

Approx. 07:00–17:00

Temple · Pier · Lake views

Nearby sights

Xuanzang Temple
Xiangshan Visitor Center
Hanbi Trail
Sun Moon Lake Bikeway
Ci'en Pagoda
Shuishe Pier & Village
Sun Moon Lake
Ita Thao

Places to eat nearby

Grandma Jinpen's Shiitake Tea Eggs (Xuanguang Branch)
Sun Moon Dining House
Lusi'an Restaurant
Nianji Made-Fresh, Never-Resold Mushroom Cabbage Buns
Liu Family President Fish Soup